David Joyce

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Stefanik and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle for bringing this important legislation to the floor. Madam Speaker, I rise today on the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in support of H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bipartisan bill, to give schools and teachers across the United States the resources needed to incorporate Holocaust education into their classrooms and teach our children the consequences of intolerance and hate. Sadly, we have seen a rise in anti-Semitism across the country, fueling horrific violence, including the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, and recent attacks over the holidays in New York. Last year in our home State of Ohio, a 20-year old was arrested before he could carry out a violent attack against the Youngstown Jewish Community Center. I stand with Ohio's Jewish community against all anti-Semitic threats and remain committed to ensuring that all Americans can practice their religion peacefully, without fear. The freedom of religion is a fundamental right provided to all American citizens in the Constitution. Any threat to this right is an attack on one of our core pillars of our democracy and must be confronted. But the fact of the matter is that responding to anti- Semitism is not enough. We must work to prevent it from ever taking root in the first place. That is why I cosponsored the Never Again Education Act. As the number of living Holocaust survivors decline, studies show that the Holocaust is fading from public memory.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, unfortunately, the same cannot be said of anti-Semitism. By educating our children on one of the cruelest times in human history, we can help eradicate the hatred that fuels these terrible acts. It is more important than ever before that we reaffirm our commitment to defeating anti-Semitism in all of its forms and ensure the stories of Holocaust survivors live on. My father is one of the brave American soldiers who risked his life to defeat the scourge of Nazism during World War II, and I am proud to continue his fight against anti-Semitism here in Congress. I strongly encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member for the time and opportunity to speak today as the ranking member on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. I also want to thank the chair of the subcommittee, my friend and fellow Great Lakes advocate, Congresswoman Betty McCollum. We have worked tirelessly over the past month to negotiate a reasonable compromise in order to be able to deliver the product before you today and avoid a government shutdown. While it is not the bill I would have written and there are things in here that I might not necessarily agree with, I do believe that there is more in this bill that unites us than divides us. The bill increases America's investment in our own abundant energy and mineral resources. It fully funds the Payments in Lieu of Taxes program which is so critical to counties with Federal lands. It also invests $1.8 billion for maintenance and construction of our Nation's parks and our other public lands. This agreement also provides for a 29 percent increase to fight devastating wildfires that threaten our communities. This agreement provides an additional $392 million for healthcare, law enforcement, and related programs to honor our country's sacred trust and treaty obligations to the American Indians and Alaska Natives. I am deeply proud of our nonpartisan efforts in support of these important programs. But just as important as the targeted funding increases are the longstanding policy provisions we have fought to hold on to and the new poison pills that we have successfully fought to eliminate. For example, we have succeeded in continuing two provisions blocking the Green New Deal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. We have successfully blocked an attempt to limit reorganization of the Department of the Interior and relocation of the BLM and EPA offices. Finally, as a lifelong Ohioan, I want to highlight the work we did to protect the Great Lakes, one of the greatest natural resources and economic powerhouses in the United States. They hold 95 percent of the United States' fresh surface water. The lakes also support over 1.5 million jobs and provide $62 billion in wages, annually. Protecting the Great Lakes is not a red issue or a blue issue. Many Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle understand the important role the lakes play in our lives and the need to protect them. My colleague Betty McCollum has been a great partner to work with in my fight to protect the Great Lakes, and I am happy to report the conference agreement includes $320 million--a $20 million increase--for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which helps us provide and address invasive species like Asian carp, reduce phosphorus runoff that causes harmful algal blooms, and protect and preserve the Great Lakes for future generations. In closing, I want to thank Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger for their leadership and the staffs on both sides of the aisle for their extremely hard work to get the annual appropriations bills over the finish line once again. I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to honor the life and service of U.S. Army Sergeant Thomas Cole Walker of Conneaut, Ohio. Sergeant Walker, who enlisted after graduating from Conneaut High School in 2016, was tragically killed on October 20 during a training exercise at Fort Stewart. Just 22 years old, he had been awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. His dedication to protecting this Nation was nothing short of heroic and serves as an inspiration to us all. But Sergeant Walker was more than a patriot. He was also a son, a brother, and a husband. His loss is felt by many. Madam Speaker, please join me in extending condolences to the friends, fellow soldiers, and family of Sergeant Walker, especially his wife, Taylor; his brother, Jared; his sisters Payton, Whitney, and Wendy; and his father, Thomas. I pray that the outpouring of support from the Conneaut community will help ease their sorrow during this difficult time. I know this entire Chamber joins me in thanking Sergeant Walker for his service, honoring his life, and praying for his family.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 728, the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019. With 4 million registered nurses nationwide, nurses are more than just the largest healthcare workforce in the United States. They are the backbone of the healthcare system. As a proud husband of a nurse and as co-chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus, it is easy for me to understand why nursing is the most trusted profession in America. I can personally attest to the amount of dedication nurses put into caring for their patients each and every day. The bottom line is that any challenge facing our Nation's nurses hurts the health and well-being of the American people. Unfortunately, despite the importance of nurses to the well-being of patients, we are facing a nursing shortage that will leave far too many patients without the care that they need. The demand for nurses varies State by State, but it is estimated that the national need for nurses will increase by 28 percent by 2030. On top of that, it is reported that roughly 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day--10,000 every single day. To meet this increased demand, Congress must address the issues impacting nursing recruitment, education, and retention. My bill accomplishes exactly that by reauthorizing title VIII nursing workforce development programs. These programs are designed to address specific needs within the nursing workforce in America's patient population. Importantly, they also provide targeted support for the institutions that educate nurses for practice in rural and medically underserved communities. By passing this legislation, Congress can ensure that those interested in pursuing a career in nursing have access to the high- quality education and training opportunities necessary to do so. By passing this legislation, Congress can make a direct investment in our Nation's health. Before I close, I thank the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the American Nurses Association, and my fellow co-chairs of the Congressional Nursing Caucus who have joined me in this effort: Representative Tulsi Gabbard, Representative Rodney Davis, and Representative Suzanne Bonamici. I also thank Chairman Pallone and Ranking Member Walden, as well as Subcommittee on Health Chair Eshoo and Ranking Member Burgess, for recognizing the importance of this legislation and moving it through the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the overwhelming bipartisan support this bill has received. On behalf of the Nation's nurses, I urge all of my colleagues to support its passage.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, on Roll Call vote 548, I was in the Chamber but was unable to execute my vote. I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 548.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, despite my disappointment that a continuing resolution is necessary at this point in time. The alternative is a government shutdown, which would only serve to hurt the American people by depriving them of critical services, not to mention wasting their money. For example, this bill continues the environmental reviews in permitting that are necessary for economic and energy development. This bill also guarantees that our beloved national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and other public lands stay open for business, especially for those who depend on tourism and those who have already booked visits for the upcoming holidays. This bill continues the flow of funding critical to all the communities working to upgrade their infrastructure so that citizens can continue to have access to clean and safe water. This bill ensures that our Nation will continue to meet its moral and legal obligations to sovereign American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, whose ancestors paid in advance with their lives and their lands for peace and the promise of basic services like education, public safety, and access to healthcare. For these reasons and more, I support this bill, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do the same. There is so much more upon which we agree than disagree. Let us act on what we agree upon so that our constituents can continue their daily lives without interruption. This bill continues the operation of programs upon which we already agreed only 7 months ago. Vote ``yes.'' I thank the ranking member for yielding me this time.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic actions of one of Painesville's own, Josh Robertson, a Cleveland Heights Police Officer, who selflessly braved a life-threatening blaze to rescue a 6-year-old child from a burning home on July 6, 2019. When Officer Robertson arrived at the scene of the fire, he encountered a frantic young mother whose son had been trapped in the burning house. Without any hesitation, Officer Robertson jumped into action and crawled inside to rescue the child, who was lying unconscious among the flames. According to the Fire Chief, it is unlikely that the boy would have survived another five minutes. Officer Robertson's heroic actions single-handedly prevented the unspeakable tragedy of a mother losing her son. It is stories like these that remind us of the irreplaceable role that our law enforcement officers and first responders play in our communities. I am extremely proud to have such a courageous officer from Ohio's Congressional District 14; Northeast Ohio is lucky to have Officer Robertson protecting its citizens. Madam Speaker, please join me in applauding the bravery and selflessness of Officer Robertson.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of those provisions of H.R. 2740 that reflect the President's proposals to continue funding for Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grants and State Opioid Response Grants, two programs under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Substance use disorders have ravaged large parts of this country, including parts of my home state of Ohio. Madam Speaker, over the next 24 hours, about 130 Americans will die from an opioid-related overdose, close to 84 infants in Ohio will be born suffering from the horrific symptoms of drug withdrawal, and over 20 million people across the country will continue to battle with addiction. In 2017, it is estimated that over 19.7 million Americans battled a substance use disorder. That's not to mention the approximately $740 billion annually that drug abuse and addiction costs American society in lost workplace productivity, health care expenses, and crime-related costs. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to this crisis. Both addiction and addiction treatment are extremely complex. However, Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grants and State Opioid Response Grants have helped countless communities across the country. To be sure that these funds are being used efficiently, they must be directed toward those programs which employ an evidenced-based approach to treatment and recovery. In particular, community-based recovery support programs, like SMART Recovery in my own district, have proven crucial in encouraging those suffering from addiction to stay on the proper path to recovery. One of my top priorities has been ensuring the federal funding Congress has provided to combat the opioid epidemic effectively supports the life-saving work our local communities carry out on the front lines of this crisis. While there is still work to be done, it is encouraging to see that Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grants and State Opioid Response Grants are helping organizations in Northeast Ohio and across the country save lives. That is why I am proud to rise in support of these provisions.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the Democratic en bloc amendment. Mr. Chairman, this amendment includes language which would take a major step back in unleashing our domestic potential to procure critical minerals and reduce our reliance on foreign competitors like China and Russia. The amendment also includes language which would limit access to the healthiest beverage option in our national parks-- water. Should we limit drinking water options available to park visitors especially in parks where the temperatures can easily reach triple digits? The answer is no. Finally, I offer a few observations that I believe we should keep in mind as we discuss ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide is a critical tool to ensure that medical devices are sterile and safe for patients. For many materials, that is certain plastics, ethylene oxide is the only safe option for sterilization. Other sterilization methods--radiation and steam heat--will degrade the materials and cause the device to lose its integrity. We all share the goal of patient access to safe medical devices, clean air, and clean workspaces. I am committed to working with my colleague and others to encourage more sustainable and efficient use of EO. Mr. Chair, I oppose this en bloc amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, apparently there is an individual who is en route who would like to speak on this amendment, but at this point in time I do not have a witness right here, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Mr. Chair, I claim time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment. Sport hunting is an important recreational activity for countless Americans and has been for centuries. President Teddy Roosevelt, a champion of the conservation movement, went on hunting expeditions around the world. This amendment would negatively impact the people of Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania. The money generated from trophy hunts helps the local populations by providing jobs and funding for community services. One of the countries listed in the amendment is Zimbabwe. The Communal Areas Management Plan for Indigenous Resources, or CAMPFIRE, program in Zimbabwe attempted to create economic incentives for communities and landowners to conduct habitat and ecosystem restoration. At one point, CAMPFIRE generated more than $20 million, of which almost 90 percent came from trophy hunting, allowing communities to establish management over the habit and resources within the range area. Another country mentioned in the amendment is Zambia. Zambia's Administrative Design for Game Management Areas program has served as a model for locally accruing trophy-hunting revenue, as the program receives 67 percent of the trophy-hunting revenue in game management areas. Fifty-three percent of the program revenue is directed toward wildlife management. The remainder goes to community development. There is also a lack of sufficient data on the effect of hunting species that would lead us to support efforts like this amendment. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, many scientific studies on trophy hunting's effects on wildlife populations contain disclaimers of insufficient data to measure the effect of hunting on a species. Certainly, improvements can be made in these and other countries to further conserve species and benefit local communities. However, this amendment would take us in the wrong direction. Instead, we should focus our efforts on habitat loss and fragmentation, illegal poaching, and conflict with humans. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), my distinguished colleague.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Duncan).

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I might consume. I rise to support the en bloc amendment. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Lowey for her support and Chair McCollum for working with us to include provisions important to Members on both sides of the aisle. Included in this en bloc amendment are several water provisions that I support, including grants to States to reduce pollution in our waterways. The amendment also supports the maintenance of the Great Lakes Advisory Board, which helps to ensure that transparent and credible views guide Great Lakes Restoration Initiative investments. Finally, the en bloc amendment includes language prioritizing funding for grants to fight domestic violence in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Mr. Chair, I support the bipartisan en bloc amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hudson), my distinguished colleague and friend.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Madam Chair, I rise in support of this amendment. When it comes to ANWR, there is no such thing as a noncontroversial policy provision. This one found its way into the Interior-Environment spending bill at a time when longstanding bipartisan provisions have fallen out. As I mentioned during general debate on this spending package, we need to remove these poison pill riders before we can reach a longstanding bipartisan agreement. That is why I support the amendment to strike this controversial policy position. Madam Chair, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this amendment.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Mr. Chair, I rise in reluctant opposition to the gentleman's amendment. Under Article I, section 9, clause 7 of the Constitution: ``No money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in consequence of appropriations made by law.'' That function resides within the appropriately named Appropriations Committee, and I take great pride in having served on this committee. Every year, we dedicate a great deal of time to crafting and amending the annual spending bills to fulfill this constitutional responsibility and to keep the Federal Government operating. We spend countless hours hearing from agency officials, outside advocates, and our fellow Members of Congress about our budgetary needs. We make tough choices regarding prioritization. That is why I must oppose this amendment and I oppose the previous amendment. Rather than evaluating the worthiness of each individual program, the amendment would indiscriminately cut funding across the board. Such drastic cuts could harm bipartisan efforts to improve healthcare for American Indians and Alaska Natives; combat invasive species like Asian carp and zebra mussels; prevent devastating wildfires; address the maintenance backlogs at National Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service sites; and provide payments to local communities under the Payment in Lieu of Taxes, or PILT, program. Therefore, even though I share some of the gentleman's concerns about the excessive spending in these bills, I must oppose the amendment.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, as the designee of the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger), I move to strike the last word.

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. LaMalfa).